On the Diversity of Semiochemicals of the Pygidial Gland Secretions of Subterranean Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Pygidial glands are of great importance to ground beetles for defense against predators, especially the species that live in subterranean habitats. The purpose our study is better understand chemistry pygidial gland secretions beetles, as well function and structure glands. We studied both chemical composition secretion morphology adults troglophilic beetle Laemostenus (Antisphodrus) cavicola (Schaum, 1858). its defensive was revealed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while investigated bright-field microcopy. In total, seven compounds were detected mixture. Formic acid most dominant compound, followed by dodecyl acetate undecane. Other chemicals present minor amounts. morphological L. (A.) compared with related congeneric (Pristonychus) punctatus (Dejean, 1828). Summary data on semiochemicals have been recorded so far presented, differences between among troglobitic discussed. So far, forty-four four (two troglobites belonging tribe Trechini two troglophiles Sphodrini). results this indicate diversity beetles.